Sony was always going to have difficulty explaining what the PlayStation 4 Pro is – and, perhaps more importantly, who it's for – during its PlayStation Meeting press conference this week. The console, which represents a kind of half-step for the existing PS4 model, is not intended to blur generations or begin new ones – it's, instead, a new concept, where premium and standard hardware specifications co-exist, sharing the exact same software libraries and communities.

We know, as with any bold new direction like this, that you'll have questions, though – and that's why we've compiled a mini-FAQ outlining everything that we know about the PS4 Pro thus far. This article should put to bed any queries that you have about the console, and while we're sure that more tidbits will emerge over time, consider this your crash course on the Japanese giant's new console, which will release in a matter of weeks.

PlayStation 4 Pro Everything You Need to Know Sony PlayStation 1

What is the PS4 Pro and why does it exist?

Recognising the accelerated nature of PC and smartphone tech iteration, Sony doesn't want to be bound to a single console specification for an entire generation anymore. Historically, PlayStation consoles have remained the same throughout their entire lifespans, excluding aesthetic and minor technical alterations.

The PS4 Pro aims to modernise the way that we think about a traditional PlayStation generation; it's a new system with a stronger GPU and the capacity to render games in 4K resolution, but all of your existing games will work on it – many of which will be improved. Likewise, the existing PS4 model will continue to power games exactly the same way as it always has.

Will there be PS4 Pro exclusive games?

No, the PS4 Pro and the standard PS4 – including the soon-to-be-released PS4 Slim – run the exact same games. Those who don't want to upgrade to the PS4 Pro will be able to play every single PS4 title released between now and the end of the console's lifecycle. Compatible titles, however, will offer enhanced performance on the PS4 Pro – including 4K resolution and improved visual effects.

How powerful is the PS4 Pro?

It's actually quite a sizeable leap forward from the standard PS4 model, boasting over double the GPU power. Officially, it hosts 4.20 teraflops of graphics grunt, compared to the 1.84 teraflops of the existing unit. Additionally, its CPU has been overclocked, while an enhanced Wi-Fi chip has been included to enable better download speeds. It does consume much more power, however – a whopping 310 watts compared to the 140 or so watts of the current unit!

Do I need a 4K television for PS4 Pro?

No, not at all. While the PS4 Pro will render some titles in 4K friendly resolutions, it'll also enhance selected titles in traditional 1080p. A good example of this is Rise of the Tomb Raider, which will offer three options for those who play it on PS4 Pro: 4K resolution, 1080p with a framerate above 45 frames-per-second, or 1080p at 30 frames-per-second with enhanced visual effects. You'll be able to pick which mode you prefer, and it's worth remembering that Rise of the Tomb Raider will still be playable in full 1080p on the standard PS4 console – minus the bells and whistles.

It's going to depend entirely on the game as to how developers opt to take advantage of the PS4 Pro, but we're sure that as the hardware matures, consumer preferences will be formed. It's also worth mentioning that PS4 Pro will take advantage of high-dynamic range, which promises more authentic colours on supporting televisions. This feature will be patched in to all PS4s, so even if you don't purchase the PS4 Pro, you'll be able to take advantage of this option – assuming that you have a supporting screen.

PS4 Pro PlayStation VR Hardware Will It Work

Which games will support PS4 Pro's features?

At launch, the PS4 Pro will be compatible with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, and many more. Sony says that "dozens" of first-party games will be enhanced by the new console on day one, while third-party studios are also on board – with Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and For Honor just some of the games featuring in the platform holder's sizzle trailer.

It's worth mentioning that all games will be required to run in 1080p on PS4 Pro, regardless of whether developers want to take advantage of its additional features or not. Moreover, many titles will have higher or more stable framerates on the new device. It does very much appear to be down to the developer at the moment, however, and the worry is that not every studio or publisher will be willing to put their full weight behind the new iteration.

Confirmed PS4 Pro Compatible Titles So Far

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Activision)
  • Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (Activision)
  • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Remastered (Activision)
  • Days Gone (SIE)
  • Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (Square Enix)
  • Farpoint (SIE)
  • FIFA 16 (EA Sports)
  • Final Fantasy XV (Square Enix)
  • For Honor (Ubisoft)
  • Horizon: Zero Dawn (SIE)
  • inFAMOUS: First Light (SIE)
  • Killing Floor 2 (TripWire Interactive)
  • The Last of Us Remastered (SIE)
  • Mass Effect: Andromeda (EA)
  • Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor (Warner Bros)
  • Paragon (Epic Games)
  • Rise of the Tomb Raider (Square Enix)
  • Spider-Man (SIE)
  • Uncharted 4: A Thief's End (SIE)
  • Watch Dogs 2 (Ubisoft)

Will PlayStation VR be better on PS4 Pro?

Yes, but not necessarily at the expense of the standard PS4 model. There will be no PS4 Pro exclusive titles, and thus, every game will be required to run on the existing unit. Moreover, because Sony is mandating 60 frames-per-second for all PlayStation VR experiences, you can be confident that you're going to get a smooth experience even if you don't upgrade.

However, there will be bonuses, just like in traditional games, if you play PlayStation VR games on the PS4 Pro. One example of this is Farpoint, which is using the added horsepower to increase the quality of its textures. It's still exactly the same game whichever version of the PS4 you play it on, but the PS4 Pro edition will look sharper and more detailed in comparison.

Does the PS4 Pro have an Ultra HD Blu-ray player?

The most contentious part of the PS4 Pro is that it doesn't have an Ultra HD Blu-ray drive. Sony is instead focusing its attention on streaming options, announcing that two new apps for Netflix and YouTube will launch alongside the device, and will offer 4K content. It's unclear why the platform holder has opted to go this route – streaming and Ultra HD Blu-ray would surely make more sense – but we can only speculate until the platform holder releases more details. Our guess is that it's seen a massive uptick in streaming use in comparison to Blu-ray, and it sees the future of media consumption in the former category.

It's still a shame that the option's not even there, however.

PS4 Pro Will You Need 4K Television How Powerful Is it?

Does the PS4 Pro do anything else?

Yes, it enables 1080p Remote Play and Share Play, which is limited to 720p on the current model. It also, like the PS4 Slim, comes with an upgraded DualShock 4 controller, which boasts a nifty little light bar on the touchpad itself – as well as the ability to connect via USB for super, super, super low latency wired gameplay.

How much will the PS4 Pro cost and when will it release?

You'll be podding out $399.99 in the US or £349.99 in the UK for the PS4 Pro when it releases on 10th November, which is just 63 days away at the time of typing.


Has this article answered your questions about the PS4 Pro? Do you feel like you understand the device better now, or do you still have concerns about the console? Let us know in the comments section below.